The American Psycho reboot is reportedly in development at Lionsgate Films, with the studio looking for writers for the project. The Christian Bale starring 2000 film discussed consumerism in a satirical thriller context and earned a cult classic status. The new project should offer something unique to capture the attention of the audience. One theory for the reboot may have the potential to surpass the original classic.
According to this theory, the American Psycho reboot project could be a series instead of a film. Each season or episode will be dedicated to a new psychopath, played by multiple talented artists, and they take the audience through different problems persisting in society.
American Psycho Can Follow A True Detective-Style Anthology Format
According to Jeff Sneider of The Insneider, the American Psycho reboot is in the works at Lionsgate Films. Sneider added that the studio was still deciding on ideas and writers for the project and shared that the project will be a modern-day take on the Christian Bale film set in the ’80s. While the fans question whether a reboot would be a step in the right direction, Sneider has some ideas for a reboot.
During his appearance on The Hot Mic podcast with John Rocha, Sneider shared that the project should be a TV show instead of another film. The American Psycho series could be made into Lionsgate’s own True Detective-style anthology series. The idea was to present the story of one serial killer in each season. Sneider wanted the series to be set in the modern-day, satirizing issues much more complex than consumerism and yuppie culture.
If the project were to be presented in an anthology series format, there would be potential for more experiments like moving away from a white Patrick Bateman. According to Sneider, the central character could be a complete 180 from Christian Bale’s portrayal. Jeff Sneider also had a list of actors who could potentially play the character in a reboot project, including Michael Cera, Charles Melton, Henry Golding, and Daniel Kaluuya.
There were also discussions about what if the American Psycho character was an ally on either side of American politics. John Rocha’s suggestion for a Patrick Bateman alternative was a psychopathic woman killing men over her ideals. The story could essentially discuss some of the feminist themes and possibly attract some hatred and attention toward the project. However, a woman-led American Psycho sequel failed miserably in the past, making it difficult for the studio to tread those paths again.
Christian Bale’s American Psycho Was Challenging To Make
When producer Edward R. Pressman wanted to adapt Bret Easton Ellis’ controversial novel, it was deemed unfilmable. However, Pressman pushed for it and he received support from two other vocal advocates of the film adaptation, Mary Harron, screenwriter and director, and Christian Bale, her choice of lead actor. When the project was finally greenlit, the studio put immense pressure on Harron to replace Bale.
The investors threatened to pull the funding for the film if Harron were to move ahead with Bale’s casting. However, she refused to budge and they were both fired from the film. Bale shared about Harron to GQ:
“She really put herself on the line, you know? And I so appreciate that because she had so many known actors who were stepping up and wanted to do it. And she just said, “No, I want Christian,” even though all the financiers were saying, “We’re gonna give you no money.” And then actually kicked the two of us off.”
The film eventually replaced the duo with Leonardo DiCaprio and Oliver Stone, but they soon left the film over creative differences. Bale kept up his hopes for a callback and continued preparing for the role, despite Harron discouraging him. The studio finally recognized their vision for the film.
The budget for the film was a meager $7 million, but it grossed $34.3 million at the box office. While fans await for the reboot project, they can enjoy American Psycho now streaming on Peacock Premium.
